The ACT has set an ambitious target to cut carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2020.
The Legislative Assembly has passed legislation setting the target and will see the establishment of a Climate Change Council to provide independent advice.
The Greens succeeded in making some changes to the bill, including provisions to force the Environment Minister to report progress at regular intervals.
The ACT Government believes it can meet the target by making buildings more energy efficient, encouraging public transport and increasing renewable energy use.
Environment Minister Simon Corbell says it is an historic law.
“This is an important piece of legislation and one which will guide and inform our decision making for many years to come,” he said.
Mr Corbell says the new target will set the ACT on the right path for the future.
“It establishes a clear framework for the Territory to move towards a low carbon future,” he said.
“This is essential for our children and their children. It’s essential to ensure that our economy, our community, is well placed to meet the challenge of climate change to adapt to it and to ensure that we continue to provide a just, equitable, sustainable and livable city for future generations.”
Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury agrees.
“I believe we have set a standard that offers hope. Hope that humanity can turn around this titanic known as climate change,” he said.
“We have much work to do. This is simply a stepping stone on what is going to be a long and challenging journey for the government and the citizens of the ACT.”
The Greens say the new legislation is a direct result of their accord with the Government.
But the Opposition voted against the bill, saying the target is too high and will drive up energy costs.
“This is where the rubber hits the road. This is where the ACT taxpayer will take out their chequebook,” said Opposition MLA Vicki Dunne.
Opposition Leader Zed Seselja says the target should be 30 per cent.
“As worthy as these policy goals are, they do come with a cost,” he said.
But the Assembly rejected a series of amendments from the Opposition aimed at forcing the Government to reveal just how much the target would cost.
Low income support
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOS) has warned concessions alone will not be enough to support low income households affected by the new targets.
The Government says it will help low income earners cope with any increases in electricity costs.
But ACTCOS director Roslyn Dundas says other strategies also need to be considered.
“We know that concessions have only gone up about 14 per cent in the last five years while the cost of electricity has gone up anywhere between 20 and 40 per cent,” she said.
“So concessions are falling behind and by themselves they’re not enough to support those on low incomes or those wanting to adapt to climate change.
“If we can provide low fee lines or other support to make houses more livable, that would be a very important step. But we also need to be working with landlords to make sure rental properties are livable and are working to adapt and mitigate climate change.”
